Natalie Reed

Produce creative development solutions from design ideation to mass production by defining sourcing and manufacturing variants for a comprehensive soft goods line. -Extensive knowledge of cut and sew construction techniques in relation to backpacks, laptop bags, luggage, and tech accessories. -Research, source and develop new textile innovations directly with Taiwan and China mills. -Created a material database for inventory management purposes on raw materials and bulk yardage to help expedite product speed to market as well as competively drive price negotiations down on core replenishment programs. -Partner with design in delivering new 2D CMF CAD visualizations for seasonal and SMU projects. -Provide all prototyping critiques including tooling approvals for product molds and hardware, trim packaging and lab dips for sampling and bulk material yardages. -Implemented material and product testing standards that best support design intent. -Manage all product costing in order to achieve target and marginal goals.

Improved operational efficiencies by identifying wasteful practices in the product development process. Maximized team and product performance by standardizing technical documents, consolidating the vendor pool and establishing a uniform adherence to a set of high quality standards for vendors to comply with. Succeeded in creating a controlled development platform from which streamlined design practices, increased product quality and accelerated development cycles could generate product profitability, growth and consumer value expectation. -Demonstrated proficiency in achieving commercial viability of proprietary designs that support SKU productivity and categorical growth for headwear, socks, towels, PU and Leather wallets and belts. -Strong comprehension of line plan development. -In-depth knowledge of Accessory construction and materials that support design intent. -Provided Merchandising and Design with strategic product initiatives that help elevate product quality and increase market share. -Maintained product creation milestones for seasonal work in progress. -Ensured timely dissemination of seasonal technical documents. -Coordinated trim and packaging development with nominated 3rd party suppliers. -Sourced new fabrics, findings and applications on biannual development trips to oversee SMS execution. -Furnished detailed critiques on all samples from initial prototypes to pre-production. -Negotiated FOB/LDP costs with vendors to ensure margin goals are met or exceeded. -Communicated clearly with overseas counterparts to effectively translate design vision and troubleshoot development issues. -Completed Full Circle and PLM style entry based on product specifications. -Worked cross functionally with Merchandising, Design and Production teams on seasonal directives. -Assisted Merchandising in monitoring brand performance through marginal and seasonal sell through analysis. -Established vendor relations with domestic and global suppliers to be surety for superior product quality, timely delivery of samples and seasonal bulk production. -Frequent international development travel to manufacturers in China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Bangladesh.

Responsibilities focused on improving seasonal procurement productivity for Accessory categories including: Footwear, Wetsuit Jackets and Rash guards. - Purchase order and inventory management. - Coordinated production operations with overseas manufacturers. - Closely monitored seasonal bulk production WIP reports with vendors to safeguard estimated time of departures and arrivals. - Work collaboratively with the logistic department on shipment approvals and ship modes in relation to seasonal start dates. - Manage quality control and warranty issues.

Helped create seasonal testing requirements for each style to ensure garments were producible in accordance to the CPSIA testing standards while maintaining cost, quality and design intent for Volcom USA and Australia. - Compiled detailed quality control reports. - Measured sample garments to confirm SPEC's were within tolerance.

Performed assigned duties under the direction of Volcom's Sr. Director of Girl's Apparel. Main objective was to become familiarized with the functions of product lifecycle management. Over the course of a semester was introduced to operational concepts that constitute efficient production. Intern assistance was delegated to Girl's and Men's design teams, pattern making, fittings, cut and sew and Accessories.